Assistive Technology, Homeline+ and Homeline

1. The Difference between Assistive Technology and Homeline+

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to any piece of community alarm equipment that is used to increase, maintain or improve a person's independence or reduce the risk to their wellbeing. It is referred to as Telecare.

Used effectively, Assistive Technology can:

1. Promote Independence;
2. Improve Confidence;
3. Help manage risks around the home and in the community;
4. Support a person to remain living at home;
5. Help with memory and recall;
6. Support a person to carry out key tasks, such as taking medication;
7. Provide reassurance to carers and family members.

Homeline+ / Telecare

Within Swindon 'Telecare' is referred to as 'Homeline+'.

Telecare is the term used to describe the range of equipment that can alert a call centre when, for example:

1. A person falls;
2. A person needs assistance.

2. Providing the Homeline+ Service

The Homeline+ service can be provided:

1. To support hospital discharges;
2. Alongside services to meet ongoing care and support needs;
3. Independent from all of the above.

It is available to people who live in:

1. Their own home;
2. Rented accommodation;
3. Supported living;
4. Extra care.

3. Charging for Homeline+

Homeline+ can be self-funded or be incorporated as part of a care package.

The cost of Homeline+ is based on 3 bandings depending on the amount of equipment required. This banding will be known following the Homeline+ assessment. The bands are:

Band 1: £14.60 per week
Band 2: £16.25 per week
Band 3: £18.43 per week

4. The Care Package

If the person has an existing (or developing) Care Package then the Homeline+ Banding must be recorded in the package.

5. Establishing the Need for Homeline+

Homeline + cannot be provided until a Telecare Support Officer has carried out an assessment in the property.

6. Installing Homeline+

The Telecare Support Officer and Homeline team are responsible for the installation of Homeline+.

7. Monitoring and Reviewing Homeline+

Where there is a need to monitor the effectiveness of Homeline+ then the Telecare Support Officer should be contacted to provide the relevant information.

The Telecare support officer will undertake all relevant reviews of the equipment.

8. Repairing Homeline+

All Homeline+ faults or repairs should be reported to the Homeline Control Centre on 01793 616427. The Homeline team will aim to resolve all faults within a 72 hour period.

9. Removing Homeline+

If Homeline+ is no longer required the Telecare Support Officer should be notified to make all necessary arrangements, including the finance.

10. Homeline

Where an advanced Homeline+ set up is not required but rather just a basic pendant set up then Swindon provide the Homeline Service.

Referring to Homeline

All Homeline referrals are to be made to the Supported Housing Officer on 01793 464430

Charging of Homeline

It is important to note that Homeline cannot be made as part of a care package. The cost of Homeline is:

• Private - £33.24 per calendar month.
• Swindon Borough Council Tenants - £20.56 per calendar month.

Installing Homeline

The Homeline team are responsible for the installation of Homeline.

Monitoring and Reviewing Homeline

Where there is a need to monitor the effectiveness of Homeline then the Homeline Team should be contacted to provide the relevant information.

In the event of a service user misusing the Homeline service, the Homeline Team will arrange a review to address the issues with the aim to resolve them and the service to remain in place. In cases where the misuse of the service continues then the Homeline team will issue a 1 month notice period to terminate the contract.

Repairing Homeline

All Homeline+ faults or repairs should be reported to the Homeline Control Centre on 01793 616427. The Homeline team will aim to resolve all faults within a 72 hour period.

Removing Homeline